Kouzaki Hiromu - Grandfather’s Envelopes

From age eighty until his death, fifteen years later, Kouzaki Hiromu spent his days folding, cutting and gluing small fragments of paper. He said he was making envelopes, and certainly that is what he created, simple envelopes. Yet, these works of paper are so much more than a group of small utilitarian objects. What Kouzaki Hiromu produced is profound and a unique artistic achievement. These envelopes are insightful investigations into the most basic elements of visual language.

In his work, Kouzaki Hiromu explored the potential of line, edge and surface. His pieces have a great deal in common with the paintings of Agnes Martin, yet in miniature. This work is astonishingly focused, lucid, and distinct.

Kouzaki Hiromu’s work has recently been brought to light in a book written by his granddaughter, Fujii Sakuko, entitled Grandfather’s Envelopes. Before the publication of this book, only his family knew Kouzaki Hiromu’s efforts. This book, like the works of art it presents, is beautifully produced. This is primarily a picture book, with over one hundred of Kouzaki Hiromu’s envelopes presented, one to a page.

Rutles Books site